HVAC systems are the unsung heroes of our homes, working tirelessly to keep us comfortable year-round. But like any hardworking appliance, they need regular care to function at their best. Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. It’s not just about avoiding breakdowns; it’s about ensuring your home stays comfortable, your energy bills stay low, and your air stays clean. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of HVAC preventative maintenance, from DIY tasks to professional services, helping you keep your system in top shape all year long.
If you rather let a professional do all the work, consider our top-rated HVAC companies to repair or replace your system.
- There are a number of reasons to have a preventative maintenance plan for your HVAC system including air quality and energy efficiency improvement.
- The best times to do routine maintenance is during the Spring and Fall to prepare for the hot or cold seasons to follow.
- There are a number of things homeowners can do as routine maintenance but we suggest bringing in a professional when your system needs a serious tune up.
Why HVAC Preventative Maintenance Matters
Preventative maintenance for your HVAC system isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential for homeowners who want to save money, improve air quality, and extend the life of their heating and cooling equipment. Regular maintenance can prevent small issues from becoming big, expensive problems down the line.
Carrying out HVAC preventative maintenance also means fewer outages, and most homeowners who pay for ongoing preventative maintenance avoid costly repairs if bigger problems occur.
Air Quality Improvement
The air circulating through your home passes through your HVAC system’s ductwork and filters. Over time, these components can accumulate debris, including dust, pollen, and pet dander. Regular maintenance, including filter changes and cleaning, can significantly improve indoor air quality. This is particularly important for households with allergy sufferers or respiratory conditions — clean, well-maintained HVAC systems help to increase indoor air quality.
Energy Efficiency
An HVAC system that’s well-maintained runs more efficiently. When components like blower motors, fan belts, and compressors are clean and properly lubricated, they require less energy to operate. This translates to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Regular maintenance can help homeowners avoid the surprise of unexpectedly high energy costs.
During routine maintenance, your HVAC technician will lubricate and replace any moving parts that are damaged or at risk of becoming damaged. This makes your system run smoothly and reduces the risk of your system breaking down, leaving you without heat or cool air.
Extend Your Unit’s Lifespan
Like a car, an HVAC system that receives regular maintenance tends to last longer. Neglecting your system can lead to increased wear and tear, potentially shortening its lifespan by years. Many manufacturers recommend or even require regular maintenance to keep warranties valid. While maintenance costs money up-front, it’s far less expensive than premature system replacement.
Fewer Emergencies
No one wants to wake up to a freezing house in the middle of winter or a sweltering one in the heat of summer. Regular maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, saving homeowners from inconvenient and expensive repairs. It’s always better (and usually cheaper) to address potential issues before they become costly problems. For example, a new furnace blower replacement can cost as much as $1,000.
Fall Heating Maintenance
As the leaves change and temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your HVAC system for the colder months ahead. Fall maintenance ensures your heating system is ready to keep your home cozy all winter long.
Make sure to set your thermostat settings from COOL to HEAT. For outdoor air conditioning units, clean and cover them to protect them from the coming winter weather. Inspect your furnace and do any basic cleaning required, like removing soot and debris. Visually inspect what air ducts you can see for any cracks, gaps, or loose connections, especially where the ductwork connects to the furnace — ductwork is often easy to repair. Lastly, replace the air filters, and if you’re due for an inspection, schedule an appointment with your local HVAC specialist.
Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance
Another crucial time for HVAC maintenance is spring. You can shut down your heating system and prep As winter thaws into spring, it’s time to shift focus to your cooling system. Proper spring maintenance ensures the smooth operation of your air conditioner during the hot months ahead and helps keep your heating system in good shape until next winter. Here’s what homeowners should do:
Uncover and clean the outdoor unit. Because of the protective cover, it likely won’t need any cleaning, but it’s always good to double-check. Trim back any vegetation that’s sprouting up near the unit and check for anything that could get caught in the coils or impede airflow. Do an inspection of all visible lines and connections, looking for things like kinks, cracks, punctures, corrosion, or damage. If you didn’t do it in the fall, replace the air filters. Finally, set the thermostat from HEAT to COOL and schedule a tune-up if the unit is due for one.
DIY vs. Professional HVAC Maintenance
While there are many maintenance tasks homeowners can handle themselves, some aspects of HVAC care require professional expertise from qualified HVAC specialists. Understanding the difference can help you maintain your system effectively while avoiding potential damage from DIY efforts gone wrong.
DIY Preventative Maintenance
Homeowners can and should perform several routine maintenance tasks to keep their HVAC systems running smoothly. Changing your HVAC system’s air filters every 1–3 months, basic cleaning, and visual inspections can help catch problems early and keep your system running optimally.
When To Hire a Professional
While DIY maintenance is important, certain tasks should be left to the experts. Professional HVAC technicians have the tools, knowledge, and experience to safely and effectively perform more complex maintenance tasks. Homeowners should call in a pro for an annual or bi-annual system tune-up, including checking refrigerant, electrical components, ductwork, lubrication, and evaporator and condenser coils.
Professional maintenance typically costs around $350, and while that amount of money isn’t insignificant, the investment can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and improving system efficiency.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist
It’s helpful to have a comprehensive maintenance checklist to keep your HVAC system in top shape. This list covers both DIY tasks and professional services, ensuring nothing is overlooked in caring for your heating and cooling equipment.
Monthly Tasks
- Inspect and replace air filters if necessary
- Clear debris from around outdoor units
- Listen for unusual noises during system operation
Seasonal Tasks (Spring and Fall)
- Clean or replace air filters
- Check and clean outdoor unit coils
- Inspect and clean indoor unit components
- Test thermostat function and calibrate if needed
- Check and tighten electrical connections
- Lubricate moving parts
- Inspect and clean the condensate drain
- Check refrigerant levels (professional task)
- Inspect ductwork for leaks or damage
Annual Professional Maintenance
- Comprehensive system inspection
- Cleaning of all components, including blower assembly and evaporator coil
- Checking and adjusting refrigerant levels
- Inspecting and cleaning heat exchanger
- Calibrating system controls
- Checking for proper airflow and temperature differential
- Inspecting and cleaning ductwork if necessary
By following this checklist, you can ensure your HVAC system receives the care it needs to operate efficiently and reliably year-round.
Signs Your HVAC System Needs Attention
Even with regular maintenance, HVAC systems can develop issues over time. Recognizing the signs that your system needs professional attention can help prevent minor problems from becoming major headaches. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Unusual noises during operation, such as banging, squealing, or rattling
- Inconsistent heating or cooling throughout the home
- Sudden increases in energy bills without a change in usage
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Weak airflow from vents
- Unpleasant odors when the system runs
- Visible water leaks around the indoor unit
- Ice formation on the outdoor unit during the summer
- Thermostat malfunctions
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician for a thorough inspection and diagnosis.
Final Thoughts About HVAC Preventative Maintenance
HVAC preventative maintenance is a crucial aspect of homeownership that often goes overlooked until problems arise. By implementing a regular maintenance routine that includes both DIY tasks and professional service, homeowners can ensure their heating and cooling systems operate efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively for years to come.
Remember, the small investment of time and money in preventative maintenance can lead to significant savings in the long run, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with a well-functioning HVAC system. Whether it’s changing filters monthly, scheduling bi-annual professional tune-ups, or simply being attentive to your system’s performance, every step taken toward maintaining your HVAC system is a step toward a more comfortable, efficient, and healthy home.
FAQs About HVAC Maintenance
How much does it cost to hire an HVAC professional?
If you’re hiring an HVAC contractor for routine maintenance, you can expect to pay an average of around $200. Your price could fall anywhere between $75 and $350 depending on your location and system.
HVAC repairs tend to be more expensive, averaging around $800 and falling anywhere between $400 and $1,750. More extensive issues or total replacement can be even more costly.
Is HVAC preventative maintenance worth it?
Preventative HVAC maintenance is worth it. Not only will it continue to keep your living space comfortable and safe, but it also improves indoor air quality, helps avoid outages and breakdowns, reduces the frequency of necessary HVAC repairs, and extends the life of your system. The average $200 you’ll spend on preventative maintenance is well worth the investment.
How often should my HVAC be serviced?
I recommend a tune-up twice per year, including once in the fall and once in the spring. This will help keep your system primed and ready to go leading into the summer and winter months when demand is highest.
How often should my HVAC be cleaned?
Your HVAC system should be cleaned two times per year, usually in the spring and fall leading into the high-demand seasons. Proper cleaning of your equipment can reduce the risk of equipment breakdown and outages, as well as keep your air clean and safe to breathe. Cleaning is usually completed as part of your routine maintenance package.
